Location:
Te Aroha, New Zealand
Decade:
2020s

The Tauhei Solar Farm

McKay partnered with Elecnor New Zealand to deliver the full electrical and balance-of-plant installation package for the Tauhei Solar Farm, a 150 MW AC utility-scale solar development located near Te Aroha. The project forms part of New Zealand’s growing renewable energy portfolio and reflects the increasing role of large-scale solar generation in supporting the country’s transition to a more sustainable and resilient electricity network.

McKay’s work in the renewables sector is grounded in its design, engineering, and construction capabilities, delivering practical and innovative energy solutions across utility-scale solar, geothermal, wind, and battery energy storage projects. With proven expertise across the full project lifecycle, McKay integrates advanced electrical systems to create high-performance, compliant, and future-ready infrastructure.

At Tauhei Solar Farm, McKay delivered a broad scope of works spanning site establishment, trenching and cabling, DC and medium-voltage systems, inverter and switching station installation, fibre and SCADA systems, and all associated testing and pre-commissioning activities. The project highlighted McKay’s ability to execute complex, multi-disciplinary electrical construction works in close coordination with EPC and civil delivery teams.

McKay completed all site establishment works, including the installation and fit-out of temporary offices, services, and power supply infrastructure. The team undertook extensive trenching, conduit installation, cable laying, joint bay preparation, and backfilling for AC, DC, medium-voltage, fibre, and communications networks, with all works delivered to engineered tolerances and quality assurance requirements.

The electrical installation scope included full deployment of string cabling, 1500 V DC sub-array cabling, and terminations into combiner boxes. McKay installed all combiner boxes, supports, and associated DC protection systems, while inverter stations were positioned, landed, and fully prepared for service, including cable terminations, earthing, and internal electrical fit-out.

Medium-voltage works included the installation and termination of MV cabling, 33 kV joints, surge protection systems, and the complete electrical installation for the MV switching room. McKay also completed the internal and external electrical installation for the operations and maintenance building and warehouse facilities. Fibre and SCADA infrastructure were integrated across the site to support monitoring, communications, and operational control systems.

The Tauhei Solar Farm project demonstrates McKay’s capability to deliver large-scale renewable energy infrastructure through coordinated engineering, construction, and commissioning expertise. By combining technical capability with practical project delivery experience, McKay continues to support the expansion of renewable generation across New Zealand and contribute to the country’s long-term energy resilience and sustainability goals.

Copyright © McKay 2026

Privacy Policy